Method, apparatus, and computer program product for automated approval of a promotion structure

ABSTRACT

A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for integrated sales management. A sales resource may use the system to track and modify promotion proposals for providers. Data defining the proposed promotion may include information relating to the provider, capacity, the promotion structure, return on investment, and/or an auto-approval status. Some data defining the proposed promotion may be automatically generated by the promotional system and/or modified by the provider. The proposal may be auto-approved or approved manually by a sales resource. Upon approval, the promotion may be made available for sale.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/573,299, filed Dec. 17, 2014, and titled “Method, Apparatus, AndComputer Program Product For Automated Approval of a PromotionStructure,” hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/943,619, filed Feb. 24, 2014 and titled, “Method,Apparatus, And Computer Program Product For Providing Management OfSales Proposals,” hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application also claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/918,321, filed Dec. 19, 2013 and titled, “Method,Apparatus, And Computer Program Product For Providing Management OfSales Proposals,” hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present application is also related to: 1) U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 61/682,762, filed Aug. 13, 2012, titled “Unified Payment And ReturnOn Investment System,” 2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/749,272,filed Jan. 24, 2013, titled “Method, Apparatus, And Computer ReadableMedium For Providing A Self-Service Interface,” 3) U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/927,742, filed Jun. 26, 2013, titled “Method,Apparatus, And Computer Program Product For Providing Mobile LocationBased Sales Lead Identification,” 4) U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/041,890, filed Sep. 30, 2013, titled “Automated Approval Of GeneratedPromotions,” 5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/929,253, filed Jun.27, 2013, titled “Fine Print Builder,” 6) U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/841,347, filed Mar. 15, 2013, titled “Unified Payment And ReturnOn Investment System,” 7) U.S. Patent Application No. 61/824,850, filedMay 17, 2013, titled “Unified Payment And Return On Investment System,”and 8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/038,610, filed Sep. 26, 2013,titled “Automated Deal Guide Optimization,” each of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Various embodiments of the invention are related to promotional systems,and particularly to a method and apparatus for providing management andapproval of sales proposals. Applicant has discovered problems with andrelated opportunities relating to sales resources efficiently managingsales of promotions to providers. Through applied effort, ingenuity, andinnovation, Applicant has solved many of these identified problems bydeveloping a solution that is embodied by the present invention, whichis described in detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are therefore providedfor providing management of promotion sales opportunities, automatedapproval, and conversion of the promotion sales opportunities to offeredpromotions. A method is provided for providing a promotion salesmanagement system, the method comprising accessing, remotely from aprovider, a provider facing interface, the provider facing interfacepopulated with one or more promotion parameters and one or more providerdetails, altering at least one of a promotion parameter of a proposedpromotion or one or more details for a provider, calculating, with aprocessor, updated return on investment information based on the alteredpromotion parameters, and causing the updated return on investmentinformation to be provided to the selected provider via the providerfacing interface.

In some embodiments, calculating the updated return on investmentinformation comprises calculating, based on the one or more attributesof the proposed promotion, a first amount indicative of revenuegenerated from the proposed promotion, attendant to administering theproposed promotion, calculating, based on the one or more indicators ofrepeat business in response to the proposed promotion, a third amountindicative of revenue generated from repeat business attendant toadministering the proposed promotion, calculating, based on the one ormore attributes of the promotion, a fourth amount indicative of costsfrom the proposed promotion, and generating a graphical representationcomparing the first, second, and third amounts with the fourth amount.

In some embodiments, the promotion parameters comprise a plurality ofoptions to be offered as part of the promotion, each option having arespective quantity and value. The method may further comprise updatingcapacity information comprising information regarding maximum capacityfor the provider based on the provider availability and a time needed tofulfill promotions based on the promotion parameters, wherein theupdated capacity information comprises information regarding maximumcapacity for the provider, the maximum capacity based on the provideravailability and a time needed to fulfill promotions based on thepromotion parameters, and causing display of the updated capacityinformation to the provider via the provider facing interface.

In some embodiments, the return on investment information is a summaryof return on investment information based on at least two proposedpromotions. In some embodiments, the method further comprises causing aplurality of proposed promotions associated with a selected provider tobe displayed. In some embodiments, the one or more promotion parametersmay have been provided by the provider in a previous interaction withthe provider facing interface.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise receiving an indication,remotely from the provider, of a plurality of options to be offered aspart of the promotion, each option having a respective quantity andvalue, and causing display of the plurality of options to the providervia the provider facing interface.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise receiving an indication,remotely from the provider, of a number of units of the proposedpromotion to offer each month, and causing display of, via the providerfacing interface, the updated number of service hours per month neededto fulfill the number of units.

In some embodiments, the method includes causing a display of a completeproposed promotion to the provider via the provider facing interface,receiving an indication of approval of the proposed promotion from theprovider, and generating the proposed promotion and providing units ofthe proposed promotion to be offered for sale.

In some embodiments, the method includes receiving informationidentifying one or more locations at which a customer may redeem theproposed promotion and either a product or a service for which theproposed promotion may be redeemed, identifying based on the receivedinformation, a relevant fine print clause data structures stored in amemory, wherein the fine print clause data structures are identifiedbased on a predefined association between the promotion and the relevantfine print clause data structures, and causing display of the relevantfine print clause via the provider facing interface.

The method may further include receiving redemption parameters, andcausing display of redemption parameters to the provider via theprovider facing interface. In some embodiments, the method includesreceiving an indication of altered promotion parameters from theprovider via the provider facing interface, and causing the alteredpromotion parameters to be displayed to a sales resource, remote fromthe provider.

A computer program product is provided for providing a promotion salesmanagement system, the computer program product comprising at least onenon-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable programinstructions stored therein, the computer-readable program instructionscomprising instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, areconfigured to cause the apparatus to perform at least accessing,remotely from a provider, a provider facing interface, the providerfacing interface populated with one or more promotion parameters and oneor more provider details, altering at least one of a promotion parameterof a proposed promotion or one or more details for a provider,calculating updated return on investment information based on thealtered promotion parameters, and causing the updated return oninvestment information to be provided to the selected provider via theprovider facing interface.

An apparatus is provided for providing a promotion sales managementsystem, the apparatus comprising processing circuitry configured tocause the apparatus to perform at least accessing, remotely from aprovider, a provider facing interface, the provider facing interfacepopulated with one or more promotion parameters and one or more providerdetails, altering at least one of a promotion parameter of a proposedpromotion or one or more details for a provider, calculating updatedreturn on investment information based on the altered promotionparameters, and causing the updated return on investment information tobe provided to the selected provider via the provider facing interface.

A method is provided for receiving capacity information for a providerbased on biographical data representing attributes about a provider,identifying a promotion structure from a plurality of promotionstructures, wherein the promotion structure is identified based on thecapacity information and the biographical data, calculating return oninvestment (ROI) based on at least the promotion structure, generatingpromotion terms for the promotion structure, determining anauto-approval status on based at least the promotion structure, andgenerating a promotion for viewing based on the promotion structure,promotion terms and the auto-approval status.

In some embodiments, receiving capacity information comprises receivingbiographical data representing attributes of the provider, calculating afirst total units of service available to offer from the provider duringa particular time period, calculating a second total units of servicepotentially available from the provider for an availability time periodof the promotion, calculating a third total units of service currentlybeing offered by the provider, and calculating the capacity informationfor the promotion by subtracting the third total units of services fromthe second total units of service.

In some embodiments, identifying a promotion structure comprisesreceiving an indication of the service offered by the provider, causingdisplay of one or more promotion option structures, receiving one ormore selections of the one or more promotion option structures, andgenerating a promotion structure based on the received selections.

In some embodiments, calculating the ROI information based on at leastthe promotion structure comprises calculating, based on one or moreattributes of the promotion structure, a first amount indicative ofrevenue generated from the promotion structure, calculating, based on anupsell amount exceeding a value of the promotion structure, a secondamount indicative of revenue generated from upsells attendant toadministering the promotion structure, calculating, based on the one ormore indicators of repeat business in response to the promotionstructure, a third amount indicative of revenue generated from apromotion and marketing service based on the proposed promotion, andcalculating, based on the one or more attributes of the promotionstructure, a fourth amount indicative of costs from the promotionstructure.

In some embodiments, determining the auto-approval status of thepromotion structure comprises determining whether the promotionstructure satisfies automatic approval requirements, in an instance inwhich the automatic approval requirements are satisfied, automaticallyapprove the promotion structure, and in an instance in which theautomatic approval requirements are not satisfied, indicate that thepromotion structure cannot be automatically approved.

An apparatus is provided for providing a promotion sales managementsystem, the apparatus comprising processing circuitry configured tocause the apparatus to perform at least receiving capacity informationfor a provider based on biographical data representing attributes abouta provider, identifying a promotion structure from a plurality ofpromotion structures, wherein the promotion structure is identifiedbased on the capacity information and the biographical data, calculatingreturn on investment (ROI) based on at least the promotion structure,generating promotion terms for the promotion structure, determining anauto-approval status on based at least the promotion structure, andgenerating a promotion for viewing based on the promotion structure,promotion terms and the auto-approval status.

A computer program product is provided for providing a promotion salesmanagement system, the computer program product comprising at least onenon-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable programinstructions stored therein, the computer-readable program instructionscomprising instructions, which when performed by an apparatus, areconfigured to cause the apparatus to perform at least receiving capacityinformation for a provider based on biographical data representingattributes about a provider, identifying a promotion structure from aplurality of promotion structures, wherein the promotion structure isidentified based on the capacity information and the biographical data,calculating return on investment (ROI) based on at least the promotionstructure, generating promotion terms for the promotion structure,determining an auto-approval status on based at least the promotionstructure, and generating a promotion for viewing based on the promotionstructure, promotion terms and the auto-approval status.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a promotional system that maybenefit from some example embodiments of the present invention,according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 2A-2P are example screen displays according to example embodimentsdescribed herein;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a promotional system inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts illustrating operations for providingmanagement of sales proposals, according to example embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operations for calculating thecapacity of a proposed promotion, according to example embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations for generating a promotionstructure, according to example embodiments;

FIGS. 8A-C are flowcharts illustrating operations for providing returnin investment (ROI) calculations, according to example embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations for generating fine printfor a promotion from the perspective of a promotion and marketingservice, according to example embodiments; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations for automaticallyapproving promotion structures, according to example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Glossary

As used herein, the term “provider” may be used interchangeably with“merchant” and may include a business owner, consigner, shopkeeper,tradesperson, vender, operator, entrepreneur, agent, dealer,organization or the like that is in the business of a providing a good,service or experience to a consumer, facilitating the provision of agood, service or experience to a consumer and/or otherwise operating inthe stream of commerce. One example merchant may be a running companythat sells attire for use by a person who runs or participates inathletic activities.

As used herein, the term “provider details” may be considered anyinformation regarding the provider's business, work volume and/orcapacity. For example, the provider details may indicate the servicesprovided, a number of employees able to perform the service each day,employees needed to perform a service, average hours worked per week peremployee, and/or current number of services performed per week.

As used herein, the term “consumer” is a recipient of goods, services,promotions, media, or the like provided by the promotion and marketingservice and/or a merchant. Consumers may include, without limitation,individuals, groups of individuals, corporations, other merchants, andthe like.

The “promotion and marketing service” is a service that providespromotion and/or marketing services on behalf of one or more providersthat are offering one or more instruments that are redeemable for goods,services, experiences and/or the like by a consumer. The promotion andmarketing service may engage in business with a provider to offer apromotion.

As used herein, a “promotion” may be considered any type of offered,presented or otherwise indicated reward, discount, coupon, credit, deal,incentive, discount, media or the like that is indicative of apromotional value or the like that upon purchase or acceptance resultsin the issuance of an instrument that may be used toward at least aportion of the purchase of particular goods, services and/or experiencesdefined by the promotion. Promotional instruments may there be offeredfor sale by the promotion and marketing service on behalf of a provider.Consumers who purchase a promotional instrument may redeem a promotionalinstrument at the provider for goods or services.

As used herein, an “instrument” may be any type of tender used in atransaction for at least a portion of the purchase, acquisition,procurement, consumption or the like of goods, services and/orexperiences as defined by the terms of the promotion. For example, aninstrument may include a physical token (e.g., magnetic strip cards orprinted barcodes), virtual account balance (e.g., a promotion beingassociated with a particular user account on a merchant website), secretcode (e.g., a character string that can be entered on a merchant websiteor point-of-sale), tender, electronic certificate, medium of exchange,voucher, or the like.

As used herein, the term “promotion parameters” may be considered termsand conditions under which the promotion is offered by a promotion andmarketing service to consumers. These promotion parameters may includeparameters, bounds, considerations and/or the like that outline orotherwise define the terms, timing, constraints, limitations, rules orthe like under which the promotion is sold, offered, marketed, orotherwise provided to consumers. Example promotion parameters include,using the aforementioned restaurant as the example provider, limit oneinstrument per person, total of 100 instruments to be issued, a runduration of when the promotion will be marketed via the promotion andmarketing service, and parameters for identifying consumers to beoffered the promotion (e.g., factors influencing how consumer locationsare used to offer a promotion). The promotion parameters may beconsidered any information used to generate a promotion and offer unitsof the promotion for sale, such as units per month, price, redemptionparameters, provider parameters, and/or fine print).

As used herein, the term “promotion option” may be an option for aconsumer that is mapped to at least one service in a service hierarchyand may also include further details regarding provision of the servicethat may be relevant to a promotion. In this regard, a promotion optionincludes a title, and, if it comprises a single-option promotion, asubtitle. If the promotion option comprises a multi-option promotion,however, then each of the multiple options has a corresponding vouchertitle. In addition, the text of a promotion option (including vouchertitles or subtitles) is comprised of a series of features interspersedwith stop words (e.g., “the,” “is,” “at,” “which,” “on,” etc.). Eachpromotion option is additionally associated with one or more services.Example promotion options, using the aforementioned running company asthe example provider, might be “remote private coaching session” and“live private coaching session.” In these examples, the featurescomprising the promotion options are at least “remote,” “live,” and“private coaching session” (the manner with which features areidentified is further discussed below). Other example promotion optionsoutside the context of the running company example may be “Small area:unlimited laser hair-removal sessions for one year” (which may havefeatures “Small area,” “unlimited,” “laser hair-removal sessions,” and“one year”), “Medium area: unlimited laser hair-removal sessions for oneyear” (which may have features “Medium area,” “unlimited,” “laserhair-removal sessions,” and “one year”), “Full body: six laserhair-removal sessions” (which may have features “Full body” and “sixsessions”), and “Large area: unlimited laser hair-removal sessions forone year” (which may have features “Large area,” “unlimited,” “laserhair-removal sessions,” and “one year”).

As used herein, the term “redemption parameters” refers to terms andconditions for redeeming or otherwise obtaining the benefit ofpromotions obtained from a promotion and marketing service. Theredemption parameters may include parameters, bounds, considerationsand/or the like that outline the term, timing, constraints, limitations,rules or the like for how and/or when an instrument may be redeemed. Forexample, the redemption parameters may include an indication that theinstrument must be redeemed prior to a specified deadline, for aspecific good, service or experience and/or the like. For example,redemption parameters may specify a limit of one instrument per visit,that the promotion must be used in store only, or that the promotionmust be used by a certain date.

As used herein, the term “contract” is considered an agreement definingthe terms of the promotion and roles of the promotion and marketingservices and provider with respect to the promotion. The promotion andmarketing service enters into a contract with the provider to offer apromotion, as described herein.

As used herein, the term “service” is an action offered by a merchant inexchange for compensation. In this regard, a service may be a generaldescriptor of the action, and need not include information such as aduration, frequency, total number of times that the action will beperformed, or even the compensation necessary for performance of theaction. Using the aforementioned running company, an example service maybe a private coaching session. In this example, the service itself neednot include the duration of the coaching, the frequency of the lessons,the number of lessons that will be provided, or the cost of the lesson.

As used herein, the term “feature” is a descriptor of a service and/orpromotion. A feature may be a single word, a bigram (a two term pair),or a trigram (a three term tuples). In some embodiments, a feature maycomprise an N-term tuple, where N may be a size that a user, a machineoperating an algorithm or the like determines is most appropriate. Inrelation to the context of a promotion and marketing service, eachfeature comprises the building blocks of a promotion. Examples offeatures might be “half-marathon” “half marathon,” “5 k” “race,”“registration,” “entry,” “one year,” “1-year,” “1 year,” “run jumpswim,” or the like.

As used herein, the term “promotion option” is a descriptor of a serviceand/or promotion describing choices of services and/or promotions. Apromotion option may be mapped to at least one service in a servicehierarchy and may also include further details regarding provision ofthe service that may be relevant to a promotion. In this regard, apromotion option includes a title, and, if it comprises a single-optionpromotion, a subtitle. If the promotion option comprises a multi-optionpromotion, however, then each of the multiple options has acorresponding voucher title. In addition, the text of a promotion option(including voucher titles or subtitles) is comprised of a series offeatures interspersed with stop words (e.g., “the,” “is,” “at,” “which,”“on,” etc.). Each promotion option is additionally associated with oneor more services. Example promotion options, using the aforementionedrunning company as the example provider, might be “remote privatecoaching session” and “live private coaching session.” In theseexamples, the features comprising the promotion options are at least“remote,” “live,” and “private coaching session” (the manner with whichfeatures are identified is further discussed below). Other examplepromotion options outside the context of the running company example maybe “Small area: unlimited laser hair-removal sessions for one year”(which may have features “Small area,” “unlimited,” “laser hair-removalsessions,” and “one year”), “Medium area: unlimited laser hair-removalsessions for one year” (which may have features “Medium area,”“unlimited,” “laser hair-removal sessions,” and “one year”), “Full body:six laser hair-removal sessions” (which may have features “Full body”and “six sessions”), and “Large area: unlimited laser hair-removalsessions for one year” (which may have features “Large area,”“unlimited,” “laser hair-removal sessions,” and “one year”). In someembodiments, promotion options may be scored by the promotion andmarketing service, providing a ranking of promotion options based onsuitability of the promotion option. Promotion scoring and ranking isdescribed in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/038,610,incorporated by reference herein.

As used herein, the term “component” is equivalent to a grouping offeatures. Each component accordingly is intended to represent an actualconcept, which, when using natural language, can often be described asusing or otherwise relating to a large variety of different terms orphrases (e.g., features). Accordingly, each component is associated witha grouping of features that the promotion and marketing service believeshave an equivalent meaning in a given context. Examples components mightbe “race” and “registration,” and may have the following groupings offeatures mapped thereto (each feature comprising a set of one to threewords within brackets in this example, although in other examples, eachfeature may comprise an arbitrarily large number of terms withinbrackets):

1. Component: Race

-   -   [race] [‘5 k’,‘race’] [‘race’,‘entry’] [‘race’,‘registration’]    -   [‘race’, ‘saturday’] [‘race’,‘september’] [‘5 k’,‘race’,‘8’]    -   [‘5 k’,‘race’,‘entry’] [‘adventure’,‘5 k’,‘race’]    -   [‘race’,‘registration’,‘1’] [‘race’, ‘registration’,‘2’]    -   [‘race’, ‘september’,‘29’] [‘rad’,‘5 k’, ‘race’]

2. Leisure Offers/Activities Running Component: Registration

-   -   [registration] [‘5 k’,‘registration’] [‘race’,‘registration’]    -   [‘registration’,‘2’] [‘race’,‘registration’,‘1’]    -   [‘race’,‘registration’,‘2’]

As used herein, the term “promotion option structure” refers to the sameunderlying information as a promotion option, but does not comprisetext. Rather, a promotion option structure is made up a series ofcomponents that are equivalent to the various features of a promotionoption. In this regard, a promotion option structure may correspond tomultiple promotion options, in that two promotion options might presentthe same concept to a user, despite using distinct language. Incontrast, no two promotion option structures present the same concept.In addition, promotion option structures also include or otherwise canbe mapped to titles generated based on the components included therein.Moreover, each promotion option structure is additional associated withone or more services in a defined service hierarchy. Examples ofpromotion option structures, using the above example promotion options“remote private coaching session” and “live private coaching session,”might be (Component: “remote”; Component: “private coaching session”)and (Component: “live”; Component: “private coaching session”),respectively.

As used herein, the term “promotion structure” refers to a particularcombination of promotion option structures. In this regard, a promotionstructure may include only a single promotion option structure, or mayinclude multiple promotion option structures. For instance, examplepromotion structures, using the example promotion option structuresabove, might be the following:

Promotion Structure 1:

Promotion Option Structure 1:

-   -   Component: “remote”; Component: “private coaching session”

Promotion Structure 2:

Promotion Option Structure 1:

-   -   Component: “remote”; Component: “private coaching session”

Promotion Option Structure 2:

-   -   Component: “live”; Component: “private coaching session”        Each promotion structure is, like every promotion option and        promotion option structure, associated with one or more        services.

As used herein, the term “auto-approval status” refers to an indicationassociated with a promotion structure that indicates whether or not thepromotion structure meets conditions such that the promotion can begenerated without manual review by the promotion and marketing service.In this regard, if a provider agrees to a proposal to offer a promotionstructure, and the auto-approval status is approved, a promotion and/orcontract may be automatically generated. For example, conditionsrequired to have an auto-approval status of approved may relate to priceoptions within a particular band defined for a particular service in aparticular area, margin defined within an acceptable band and/or thelike.

As used herein, the term “proposal” or “sales proposal” refers to anydata used in the creation of a promotion, promotion parameters,promotion structure, and/or the like that is not yet associated with anapproved or offered promotion. A sales proposal may therefore beconsidered a draft promotion or draft contract. Sales resources andproviders may work on a proposal by way of a collaborative interface asdescribed herein.

Overview

In some examples, a promotion and marketing service may generate revenue(for the promotion and marketing service and/or provider) by enteringinto a contract with a provider to offer promotions on behalf of aprovider. In order to entice providers to partner with the promotion andmarketing service, the promotion and marketing service may show and/orotherwise demonstrate the potential increases in revenue to the providerif the provider were to engage the promotion and marketing service torun one or more proposed promotions. Providing the provider with a toolthat illustrates the benefits of working with the promotion andmarketing service and utilizes the sophisticated metrics maintained bythe promotion and marketing service regarding the market and impact ofpromotions, may build the provider's confidence in having a successfulpartnership with the promotion and marketing service.

Some providers may be highly involved in the decision making process offormulating the terms of a promotion offers (e.g., providers that havetheir own marketing team or marketing experience), whereas otherproviders may entrust in the expertise of the promotion and marketingservice to provide contract and promotion terms that will benefit theprovider. As such, a fully integrated sales management tool that allowsboth the sales resource (e.g., a salesperson, a sales representative orthe like) of the promotion and marketing service and the provider toview proposed promotion terms and the impact to the provider in acollaborative environment may therefore be beneficial, in some examples.In some embodiments, the promotion and marketing service may bepartially or fully automated to suggest an optimal promotion to aprovider, to include the potential impact of the promotion to theprovider in terms of return on investment.

However, irrespective of the capabilities of some providers to providetheir own promotion parameters, the promotion and marketing service hasbusiness reasons, technical reasons and experience reasons that drivethe promotion and marketing service to set certain parameters thatgovern the types of promotions available on the service. Thus, unlikeprint media that has the opportunity to vet content before the launch ofsaid content, the Internet allows for a promotion to be launched withoutreview. As is described herein, a method that allows for a mechanism forauto-approval is proposed that can work along with or distinct from thetraditional review process and solves an explicit problem of a digitalbased promotion and marketing service.

In some example embodiments, the method, apparatus and computer programproduct described herein is configured to provide efficient managementof promotion sales opportunities to sales resources (e.g.,salespersons), of a promotion and marketing service by enabling aseamless process by which a provider may be browse, select and launch apromotion via a sales and marketing service. In some examples, this mayinclude providing functionality made available to providers via aself-service tool (e.g., such as the self-service tool provided in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/749,272), to sales resources so that asales resource may access a proposal created by a provider, and/oraccess the same or similar information as viewed by the provider such aswhile discussing the proposal over the phone and/or walking the providerthrough the proposal.

In other examples, the salesperson may access or otherwise leverage aself-service tool to provide additional information to a provider. Insome examples, the provider may fill out a questionnaire or survey, andthe sales management tool may automatically provide data relating to aproposed promotion based on the information relating to the provider.Based on the inputs, interaction with the sales resource and decisionthroughout the process described herein, the provider is advantageouslyenabled, in some examples, to launch a promotion via the promotion andmarketing service.

In some examples, a sales resource may user a sales management module toidentify a provider with which the sales resource wishes to partner tooffer a promotion. A sales management module provides, in some exampleembodiments, management and prioritization of sales leads andcorresponding provider information, and scheduling of appointments andfollow-ups tasks to be completed with or on behalf of the provider. Forexample, sales leads (e.g., a provider and corresponding providerinformation) are described in more detail in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/927,742, which is incorporated by reference in its entiretyherein.

The sales management module integrates, in some examples, sales leadmanagement functionality with a demand information and return oninvestment (ROI) information for facilitating proposed sales to aprovider. One example of an ROI calculation in a sales and marketingservice is described in more detail in at least U.S. Patent ApplicationNo. 61/682,762 among other applications listed herein, which are allincorporated by reference in their entirety. A sales resource maytherefore use the sales management module to configure a sales proposalwhile following up with a provider, for example, and while taking intoconsideration demand for the promotion and ROI for the provider andpromotion and marketing service.

A sales resource may therefore more efficiently utilize thefunctionality provided by the sales management module without navigatingbetween various applications, and may access sales resource tools, aswell as, the same tools made available, via an interface, to a provider.For example, in an instance in which a provider expresses concernsregarding a sales proposal, the sales resource may adjust promotionparameters (e.g., any information used to generate a promotion and offerunits of the promotion for sales, such as, but not limited to, units permonth, price, redemption parameters, provider parameters, and/or fineprint) and provide updated ROI information to the provider. As such, thesales management module may therefore assist a sales resource in comingto an agreement with a provider.

In some examples, as a proposal is modified by a sales resource and/orprovider, an auto-approval status may be provided to the sales resourceand/or provider. An indicator providing an auto-approval status mayenable either the sales resource and/or provide to make decisions informulating a promotion structure such that the promotion structure maybe automatically approved. A sales resource and/or provider may use theauto-approval status as guidance so as to move the promotion to marketin an efficient manner. For example, while utilizing the salesmanagement module, the sales resource and/or provider may see that anauto-approval status changed from approved to not approved, based on achange to one or more promotion parameters, for example. If the salesresource or provider desires an auto-approved proposal, they may chooseto revert such a change such that the auto-approval status also revertsto approved.

In some examples, the sales resource may transmit a proposal to theprovider for a final approval, generate the promotion to be availablefor purchase from the promotion and marketing service and/or the like.In some examples, consumers may then purchase promotions from thepromotion and marketing service for redemption. As mentioned above, inexamples in which an auto-approval status is approved, once the providerapproves the proposal, the sales resource may need not review theproposal again. If the auto-approval status is approved, the promotionmay be generated automatically.

In some examples, the sales resource may also assist the provider indefining the parameters of the promotion, to include one or more priceoptions, one or more redemption parameters, editorial content, fineprint and/or the like. In some examples, the sales resource may assistthe provider in defining parameters such that the provider will qualifyfor auto approval. As such, in some example embodiments, the salesresource may be advantageously injected into a workflow designed to beused by a provider. The sales resource and provider may thereforecollaborate on a proposed promotion by using a provider facinginterface. In this regard, the sales management module may provide aprovider facing interface to both the provider and the sales resource.

Technical Underpinnings and Implementation of Exemplary Embodiments

Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, embodimentsof the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should notbe construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfyapplicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout.

As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information” and similarterms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of beingcaptured, transmitted, received, displayed and/or stored in accordancewith various example embodiments. Thus, use of any such terms should notbe taken to limit the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Further, wherea computing device is described herein to receive data from anothercomputing device, it will be appreciated that the data may be receiveddirectly from the other computing device or may be received indirectlyvia one or more intermediary computing devices, such as, for example,one or more servers, relays, routers, network access points, basestations, and/or the like. Similarly, where a computing device isdescribed herein to send data to another computing device, it will beappreciated that the data may be sent directly to the another computingdevice or may be sent indirectly via one or more intermediary computingdevices, such as, for example, one or more servers, relays, routers,network access points, base stations, and/or the like.

In some example embodiments, the sales management module is generated bya promotional system for use by a promotion and marketing service. Byway of further example, FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of apromotional system that may benefit from some example embodiments of thepresent invention.

In general, the promotional system 100 may include a consumer database102 for providing consumer information, past purchase information,and/or the like, which may be used to calculate various demand data forpromotions. The provider database 104 may include provider details suchas sales leads and information regarding categories or types of productsand/or services offered.

The system 100 may further comprise any of a provider module 106,capacity module 108, promotion structure module 110, ROI module 112,promotion builder module 114, auto-approval module 116, and/or contractbuilder module 118.

In embodiments, the system 100 comprises a provider module 106 forreceiving, providing and/or managing data describing attributes of aprovider's business (e.g., provider biographical data) that are relevantto the type of service to be provided in a promotion instrument and forcalculating, based on the received data, how many units of service theprovider's business can provide to customers within a predeterminedperiod of time. The capacity module 108 may calculate the promotioncapacity by determining a total of outstanding instruments currentlybeing offered by the provider and subtracting that total from the totalnumber of units of service that the provider potentially can supply.

The promotion structure module 110 may provide various promotion optionsstructures for a provider including various services and costs. The ROImodule 112 may provide estimated returns (e.g., return on investment fora promotion) for a proposed promotion for the promotion and marketingservice and/or provider. The promotion builder module 114 may trackvarious proposed proposals for each provider. The auto-approval module116 may determine whether the terms meet the requirements to beauto-approved by the promotion and marketing service. The contractbuilder module 118 may convert a sales proposal into an offeredpromotion, allowing consumers to purchase units of the promotion byaccessing the promotion and marketing service.

Collectively, functionality provided by the promotional system 100 suchas by the components described above, may be provided via the salesmanagement module 120. A sales resource may user a sales resource device130, such as a computer or mobile device, to access the sales managementmodule 120. The sales management module 120, in some embodiments, mayserve as a provider facing interface, allowing a sales resource to viewdata such as proposed promotion parameters entered on the promotion alsystem 100 by a provider.

FIGS. 2A-2D are example displays, or portions thereof, that may beprovided by the sales management module 120. FIG. 2A is a displayprovided by the sales management module 120 for calculating capacity anddistributing the availability of units of the promotion for purchase bymonth, by week, by day or the like. Some values may be prefilled basedon data provided by the promotion structure module 110, based oninformation provided by the provider, such as services offered and/orthe like. For example, area 201 provides the name of various promotionsassociated with a selected provider. Area 203 allows a sales resourceand/or provider to enter the number of sessions in a given promotion,the number of hours needed by the provider to provide the service and/orthe like. A maximum available total number of hours per promotion isthen calculated, such as by the capacity module 108. In area 205, thenumber of units (or the number of vouchers) available per feature (e.g.,promotion) may be prefilled by the promotion structure module 110 basedon known provider information, for example. The quantity of units mayotherwise be modified. A total number of hours needed to fulfill thetotal number of available promotions may then be calculated, based on acalculation of total hours per promotion times the number of units soldor for sale. The sales resource may then provide or otherwise modify, inarea 207, a number of units of each promotion to offer each month. Thecapacity module 108 may then calculate a total number of hours ofservice needed per month by a provider to fulfill the promotions to beoffered. Thus, in some examples, the number of promotions to be offeredmay be adjusted based on a determined capacity of the provider (e.g., toensure that the provider has the capacity to handle the volume ofredemptions expected as a result of the promotion). This information maybe subsequently provided to the provider via the provider facinginterface and/or sales management module 120.

FIG. 2B is an updated view of the display of FIG. 2A with fieldspopulated. In area 211, the capacity module 108 provides the totalnumber of hours required for the feature promotion and per month(current promotion capacity) and provides the maximum capacity for thefeature promotion and per month, as calculated by the capacity module108 and provided in area 219 of the display of FIG. 2C, for example. Inthis example embodiment, current promotion capacities (hours of serviceprovided to fulfill the redemptions) greater than the maximum capacitiesmay indicate to the sales resource that the allotted number of unitsshould be reduced so as not to set the provider up to have an influx ofconsumers the provider cannot handle.

In instances in which an existing proposal is being edited or viewed,any of the fields of the display of FIG. 2C may be prefilled based onknown or otherwise determined provider details. Area 215 may includefields such as primary services (e.g., category of product, experience,good or service offered by the provider), employees able to perform theservice each day, employees required to perform the service, averagehours worked per week per employee, and/or session performed per weekcurrently. Selection of a primary service may cause some fields to behidden and/or may cause the display of additional fields. For example,in some embodiments, such as when the service selected or prefilled is“food or drink,” area 215 may include additional or alternative inputfields such as an average check amount (e.g., average check per consumeror per party), peak daily customers (e.g., the most consumers at onegiven time at the provider), average daily customers, and/or days openper week (e.g., the number of days per week the provider is open, and/ora selection of days during the week the provider is open). Selection ofother types of primary services may result in other or additional fieldsbeing provided in area 215.

Data may be input to the fields of area 215 by a sales resource having aphone conversation with a provider, by the provider, based on dataderived from third party sources about the provider and/or the like. Thecapacity module 108 may perform various calculations with the data todetermine a capacity of the provider for additional business, clientele,and/or the like. In some examples, by calculating capacity, thepromotion or marketing service may meter or otherwise limit the quantityof promotions being offered by the provider so as to not exceed theproviders capacity.

In area 217, a sales resource may enter and/or edit a campaign type,desired use of promotion/day (e.g., a target percent or number ofconsumers per day who are redeeming a promotional instrument) and anexpiration period, such as in months, for the promotion. Areas 219and/or 221 may populate based on calculation performed by the capacitymodule 108, as described herein, for example. Area 219 provides ahypothesized or otherwise estimated distributions of consumers by monthbased on the entered expiration period, the initial feature capacity(e.g., number of promotion units made available at the start of thepromotion, for example), and a monthly capacity (e.g., number ofconsumers and/or service appointments the provider can accommodate permonth). Area 221 provides estimates for lost opportunity, including amissed number of consumers per day, and a total estimate of lost revenueper month that the promotion is not offered. A sales resource maytherefore provide any of the information on the display of FIG. 2C to aprovider considering entering into an agreement with the promotion andmarketing service to offer a promotion. In some embodiments, a salesresource may modify promotion parameters or other data and provide theupdated information included in areas 219 and/or 221 to the provider.Some portions of FIG. 2C may update based on entry of other informationcollected with respect to FIGS. 2A-2P.

FIG. 2D provides for entry of a description of the good or service to beoffered in the promotion, such as in entry field 262. In some examples,the description may be generated by an editorial content generator, fineprint builder and/or the like. For example, certain text or images maybe chosen based on the good or service selected. The value of thepromotion may also be provided in input 227. In some embodiments, thepromotion structures may be automatically generated by promotionstructure module 110 and prefilled, as also prefilled in the capacitycalculator of FIGS. 2A and 2B, based on information collected regardingthe provider.

Indicator 229 may allow a sales resource to add an additional item tothe promotion. For example, the multi-item or multi-option promotion mayallow for a salon to package a promotion to include a haircut andmanicure each having different values, for example.

In some embodiments, a plurality of options may be offered as part ofthe promotion, each option having a respective quantity and value. Thetotal value of the items may be populated in area 231. In someembodiments, the provider selects on or more promotion options frompromotion structures to include in a promotion.

FIG. 2E is another example view of the itemization display of FIG. 2D. Asales resource may enter a voucher number (e.g., number of goods orservices offered in a multi-voucher or multi-option promotion) in area233. In response, the ability to add another item to the promotionitemization may be disabled as shown by indicator 235. Enablingmulti-voucher support with checkbox 237 may result in an update to theitemization display, such as provided in FIG. 2F. As such, in someexamples, each promotion may have multiple promotion options whereasother example promotions may have a single promotion option.

In FIG. 2F, a sales resource may add multiple items and values. Thetotal 239 is updated accordingly. Button 241 may allow the salesresource to insert the total value of the promotion to the ROI displaysuch as that of FIG. 2I described in further detail hereinafter.

FIG. 2G provides ROI calculations for any of the proposals associatedwith a provider, such as selected in the provider list, such as theprovider list of FIG. 2A. Area 243 provides for selection of any of theproposals as provided by promotion builder 114, for example. In someembodiments, area 243 may provide a summary tab which would providetotal amounts of the promotion parameters or areas 245 and summarize ortotal amounts for the ROI information 247. Upon selection of a proposal,areas 245 and/or 247 may populate, such as with values calculated by theROI module 112, and/or promotion builder 114. Any of the fields of area245, associated with promotion parameters, may be prefilled, or a salesresource may enter data into the fields as it is learned from theprovider, the data may be derived from past interactions, from a thirdparty or the like. Fields in area 245 may include, but are not limitedto, the full price value of a promotion value, cost, percentage ofdiscount, number of visits generated per promotion, feature units (e.g.,total number of units made available), monthly units available, andprovider share (e.g., provider margin). The additional spend and/orupsell amount may be the average amount spent above the promotion valuewhen a consumer visits the provider to redeem the promotion. Incomegenerated based on repeat customers may also be entered, such as anestimated average spend per consumer, rate of return (e.g., percentageof consumer who return), average number of visit per year. The averagecost to the provider may also be provided. The ROI module 112 mayprocess any of the data provided into the fields of area 245 to generatethe ROI information provided in area 247. Selection of button 249 mayresult in a transition to a display such as that of FIG. 2A forconfiguring or reconfiguring distribution according to capacity.

FIG. 2H is another view of the display of FIG. 2G, according to anexample embodiment. As indicated in area 251, an option is provided toitemize services, or individual promotion options, examples of which areprovided below, to be included in the promotion. Selection of the“itemize option” link may result in a display such as any of FIGS. 2D,2E, and/or 2F, for example, for modifying the promotion structures.

FIG. 2I is yet another example display of the ROI calculations for aselected proposed promotion. The entered items in any of input fields225 and/or 233 may be populated in area 253, and the total value 231and/or 239 may be populated in area 255. The ROI information may berecalculated by the ROI module 112 accordingly. As indicated in area257, the display indicates, “This is a multi-voucher option. Make surePrice evenly divisible by #V.” This comment assists the sales resourcein dividing the total price evenly among vouchers in a multi-voucherpromotion. For example, for a promotion offering 3 massages for $100,promotional system 100 may not be able to divide $100 into 3 equallypriced vouchers. The comment encourages the sales resource and/orprovider to offer the 3 massages for $99 so that each voucher has avalue of $33.00. Alternatively or additionally, vouchers may be madedivisible in unequal amounts.

In FIG. 2J, selection menu 261 allows for duplication or removal of aproposed promotion. Duplicating a proposed promotion may allow a salesresource to save one version of a proposal while tweaking one or morefields in a new duplicated version of the proposal to analyze howpotential changes to the promotion parameters may impact the ROI, forexample. As such, some examples of the embodiments described herein,allow for the sales resource to provide one or more options to theprovider along with a calculated ROI for each option.

In some embodiments, proposal(s) may be exported or otherwise integratedwith a deal wizard application. Example displays of the deal wizardapplication are provided in FIGS. 2K-2N.

FIGS. 2K and 2L are displays generated by a deal wizard application, insome examples, to collect details 263 regarding the proposal. Thedetails 263 of FIG. 2K include any pertinent information that may needto be collected before generating the promotion. Fine print clauses maybe separated according to their relevance. For instance, required fineprint (identified using either default rules retrieved fromcorresponding fields of the fine print clause data structure, or usingrules retrieved in a mapping data structure and received from thepromotional system 100 may be presented first, followed by recommendedfine print (fine print that, by rule, is shown and may also bepreselected for inclusion in the fine print string), followed by abutton corresponding to all relevant fine print that is not shown byrule to the user, but which may become visible after selection of thebutton. Details 263 include further information that may be providedand/or edited, such as expiration date information (e.g., relative to afeature, relative to a purchase, and/or for a fixed period). Details 263may also include configuration information such as a division or sales,and indicators for a ‘private sale,’ ‘mulligans,’ and/or ‘customcheckout required,’ and customize option order. The display of FIG. 2Kalso allows a user to re-order the promotion options as they will appearto a consumer.

The display of FIG. 2L includes additional redemption details 265 orredemption parameters including “Redemption Instructions,” into which asales resource may insert ad hoc additional fine print that might not bepresented to the user initially. The redemption instructions fieldensures flexibility of the fine print generation process, as the salesresource retains the option to manually enter any additional fine printclauses. Finally, the currently selected redemption locations areprovided, enabling a user to designate a new location at whichredemption will be enabled.

Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, a display may includeone or more drop down boxes or other types of list boxes that containfine print clauses that relate to certain messages that would beincluded in the fine print of the promotion. For example, in an Italianrestaurant promotion, a first box may contain a listing of quantityclauses (e.g., limit one per person; limit one per person, may buy oneas a gift, etc.) and a second box containing a list of dining optionclauses (e.g., dine in, take out or dine in/take out). Other displaymethods may be used in other example embodiments.

FIG. 2M is an example display of terms that may be entered by a salesresource prior to generating the promotion, such as payment details, andcontact information. FIG. 2N allows a sales resource to provideadditional notes 267 regarding the contract with the provider to offerthe promotion.

In some embodiments, a sales resource using the promotional system 100may find it beneficial to view information specific to the provider.Such as for contacting the provider to discuss the proposed promotion,to verify provider information, and/or the like. The display of FIG. 2Oprovides a list of providers 271 and/or sales leads assigned to aspecific sales resource for follow-up. The list of providers may besorted by priority. The provider list may be anchored to the sidebar ofany display provided by the sales management module 120, so that thesales resource may have a view of open tasks and deadlines, whileutilizing other functionality of the sales management module 120, asdescribed above. The information provided may include details regardinga last contact date and time. Upon selection of a provider in the listof providers 200, a main display area or other display provided hereinmay be updated to reflect proposed promotions associated with theselected provider.

For example, the display of FIG. 2P provides promotion sales proposalsassociated with a selected provider. The promotion builder 114 mayprovide functionality to store, access, and edit promotion proposals,and/or provide a user interface such as the display of FIG. 2P withwhich a user views and/or edits proposals. The proposals may be createdand saved by the sales resources, or otherwise generated by thepromotional system 100, such as based on demand for a promotion and/orcapacity of the provider. A proposal may have a status 281 of ROI (e.g.,indicating ROI is to be calculated and/or otherwise displayed), DW (dealwizard or promotion wizard—the proposal is awaiting further detailbefore sending to the provider, described herein with respect to FIGS.2K-2N), SBMT (submitted to provider), APPR (approved by provider), RJCT(rejected by provider), and/or SENT (sent to provider, awaitingresponse), for example. The proposal list may also include a name 283,primary service 285 to be offered via the proposed promotion, datecreated 287, date modified 289, expiration date 291, and date lastviewed 293. A user may select to create a new proposal with a ‘createnew’ button 295. A user may select any of the displayed proposals toedit. Selecting to edit a proposal or to create a new proposal willresult in the sales management module 120 providing a display, such asthe display of FIG. 2C so that the promotion parameters may be edited.

The promotion parameters and redemption parameters of a proposedpromotion may be entered by a sales resource, remotely from theprovider, such as with a provider facing interface implemented on thesales management module 120, for example. Once the necessary informationis entered, the proposed promotion information may be accessed by theprovider via the provider facing interface for approval. A provider maymodify any of the information collected with respect to FIGS. 2A-2P. Insome embodiments, any number of iterations may occur to enable the salesresource and provider to collaborate such that an optimal promotion isproposed for both the sales resource and the provider. Followingapproval by the provider, or auto-approval by the auto-approval module116, the promotion may be generated and the units may be made availablefor sale on the promotional system 100.

Having now described example displays provided by the sales managementmodule 120, FIG. 3 provides an implementation of promotional system 100according to an example embodiment.

In accordance with some example embodiments, promotional system 100 mayinclude various means, such as one or more processors 402, memories 404,communications modules 406, and/or input/output modules 408. Apromotional system 100 may further include sales management module 120,provider module 106, capacity module 108, promotion structure 110, ROImodule 112, promotion builder 114, auto-approval module 116, and/orcontract builder 118, among other things (not shown). As referred toherein, the term “module” includes hardware, software and/or firmwareconfigured to perform one or more particular functions. In this regard,promotional system 100 as described herein may be embodied as, forexample, circuitry, hardware elements (e.g., a suitably programmedprocessor, combinational logic circuit, and/or the like), a computerprogram product comprising computer-readable program instructions storedon a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 404) that isexecutable by a suitably configured processing device (e.g., processor402), or some combination thereof.

Processor 402 may, for example, be embodied as various means includingone or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signalprocessor(s), one or more processor(s) without an accompanying digitalsignal processor, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-coreprocessors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, one or morecomputers, various other processing elements including integratedcircuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integratedcircuit) or FPGA (field programmable gate array), or some combinationthereof. Accordingly, although illustrated in FIG. 3 as a singleprocessor, in some embodiments, processor 402 comprises a plurality ofprocessors. The plurality of processors may be embodied on a singlecomputing device or may be distributed across a plurality of computingdevices collectively configured to function as promotional system 100.The plurality of processors may be in operative communication with eachother and may be collectively configured to perform one or morefunctionalities of promotional system 100 as described herein. In anexample embodiment, processor 402 is configured to execute instructionsstored in memory 404 or otherwise accessible to processor 402. Theseinstructions, when executed by processor 402, may cause promotionalsystem 100 to perform one or more of the functionalities of promotionalsystem 100 as described herein.

Whether configured by hardware, firmware/software methods, or by acombination thereof, processor 402 may comprise an entity capable ofperforming operations according to embodiments of the present inventionwhile configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when processor 402 isembodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, processor 402 may comprisespecifically configured hardware for conducting one or more operationsdescribed herein. As another example, when processor 402 is embodied asan executor of instructions, such as may be stored in memory 404, theinstructions may specifically configure processor 402 to perform one ormore operations described herein, such as those discussed in connectionwith FIG. 5 below.

Memory 404 may comprise, for example, volatile memory, non-volatilememory, or some combination thereof. Although illustrated in FIG. 3 as asingle memory, memory 404 may comprise a plurality of memory components.The plurality of memory components may be embodied on a single computingdevice or distributed across a plurality of computing devices. Invarious embodiments, memory 404 may comprise, for example, a hard disk,random access memory, cache memory, flash memory, a compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM),an optical disc, circuitry configured to store information, or somecombination thereof. In some embodiments, memory 404 may comprise asuitable network database (e.g., provider database 104 and/or consumerdatabase 102) configured to store demand information, promotion data,and/or provider information as described herein. Additionally oralternatively memory 404 may be configured to store such data as well asvarious applications, instructions, or the like for enabling promotionalsystem 100 to carry out various functions in accordance with exampleembodiments of the present invention. For example, in at least someembodiments, memory 404 is configured to buffer input data forprocessing by processor 402. Additionally or alternatively, memory 404may be configured to store program instructions for execution byprocessor 402. Memory 404 may store information in the form of staticand/or dynamic information. This stored information may be stored and/orused by promotional system 100 during the course of performing itsfunctionalities.

Communications module 406 may be embodied as any device or meansembodied in circuitry, hardware, a computer program product comprisingcomputer readable program instructions stored on a computer readablemedium (e.g., memory 404) and executed by a processing device (e.g.,processor 402), or a combination thereof that is configured to receiveand/or transmit data from/to another device, such as, for example, asecond promotional system 100 and/or the like. In some embodiments,communications module 406 (like other components discussed herein) canbe at least partially embodied as or otherwise controlled by processor402. In this regard, communications module 406 may be in communicationwith processor 402, such as via a bus. Communications module 406 mayinclude, for example, an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, atransceiver, network interface card and/or supporting hardware and/orfirmware/software for enabling communications with another computingdevice. Communications module 406 may be configured to receive and/ortransmit any data that may be stored by memory 404 using any protocolthat may be used for communications between computing devices, such asbetween the promotional system 100 and a sales resource device 130.Communications module 406 may additionally or alternatively be incommunication with the memory 404, input/output module 408 and/or anyother component of promotional system 100, such as via a bus.

Input/output module 408 may be in communication with processor 402 toreceive an indication of a user input and/or to provide an audible,visual, mechanical, or other output to a user (e.g., provider and/orconsumer). As such, input/output module 408 may include support, forexample, for a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a display, a touch screendisplay, a microphone, a speaker, a RFID reader, barcode reader,biometric scanner, and/or other input/output mechanisms. In embodimentswherein promotional system 100 is embodied as a server or database,aspects of input/output module 408 may be reduced as compared toembodiments where promotional system 100 is implemented as an end-usermachine (e.g., sales resource device 130, and/or provider device 132) orother type of device designed for complex user interactions. In someembodiments (like other components discussed herein), input/outputmodule 408 may even be eliminated from promotional system 100.Alternatively, such as in embodiments wherein promotional system 100 isembodied as a server or database, at least some aspects of input/outputmodule 408 may be embodied on an apparatus used by a user that is incommunication with promotional system 100, such as for example, salesresource device 130. Input/output module 408 may be in communicationwith the memory 404, communications module 406, and/or any othercomponent(s), such as via a bus. Although more than one input/outputmodule and/or other component can be included in promotional system 100,only one is shown in FIG. 3 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing (likethe other components discussed herein).

Sales management module 120 may integrate the functionality of modules106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, and/or 118, as described herein, toprovide consolidated facilitation of sales to sales resources, and/orthe like, as described herein and above with respect to FIG. 1. In someembodiments, some or all of the functionality of the modules may beperformed by processor 402. For example, non-transitory computerreadable storage media can be configured to store firmware, one or moreapplication programs, and/or other software, which include instructionsand other computer-readable program code portions that can be executedto control each processor (e.g., processor 402 and/or any of the modules106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and/or 120) of the promotional system100 to implement various operations. As such, a series ofcomputer-readable program code portions are embodied in one or morecomputer program products and can be used, with a computing device,server, and/or other programmable apparatus, to producemachine-implemented processes.

Promotional system 100 may be coupled to one or more sales resourcesdevices 130 via network 416. In this regard, network 416 may include anywired or wireless communication network including, for example, a wiredor wireless local area network (LAN), personal area network (PAN),metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), or the like,as well as any hardware, software and/or firmware required to implementit (such as, e.g., network routers, etc.). For example, network 416 mayinclude a cellular telephone, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, and/or WiMaxnetwork. Further, the network 416 may include a public network, such asthe Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinationsthereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now availableor later developed including, such as, but not limited to, TCP/IP basednetworking protocols.

Any number of sales resource devices 130 may be implemented as apersonal computer and/or other networked device, such as a cellularphone, tablet computer, mobile device, etc., that may be used to accessother components of promotional system. As such, a sales resource mayuse a sales resource device 130 to view example displays provided by thesales management module 120 such as those provided in FIGS. 2A-2P. Insome embodiments, information regarding a proposed promotion may betransmitted from a sales resource device 130 to the promotional system100, that may be used, for example to information in any of the modules106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 and/or 120.

Any number of provider devices 132 may be implemented as a personalcomputer and/or other networked device, such as a cellular phone, tabletcomputer, mobile device, etc., that may be used to access othercomponents of promotional system 100. As such, a provider may use aprovider device 132 to enter proposed promotion parameters and/or thelike, and view corresponding ROI information. In some embodiments,information entered by a provider via a provider device 132 may besubsequently view and/or modified by a sales resource using a salesresource device 130 to the promotional system 100, that may be used, forexample to information in any of the modules 106, 108, 110, 112, 114,116, 118 and/or 120. The promotional system 100 may therefore promotecollaboration among sales resources and providers to more efficientlydevise a promotion benefiting both the promotion and marketing serviceand provider.

As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions and/orother type of code may be loaded onto a computer, processor or otherprogrammable apparatus circuitry to produce a machine, such that thecomputer, processor, or other programmable circuitry that executes thecode on the machine creates the means for implementing variousfunctions, including those described herein.

It is also noted that all or some of the information presented by theexample displays discussed herein can be based on data that is received,generated and/or maintained by one or more components of promotionalsystem 100. In some embodiments, one or more external systems (such as aremote cloud computing and/or data storage system) may also be leveragedto provide at least some of the functionality discussed herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process that may be performed by thepromotional system 100 according to an example embodiment. As shown byoperation 422, the promotional system 100 may include means, such as thecapacity module 108, processor 402, sales management module 120,input/output module 408, memory 404 and/or the like, receiving capacityinformation for a provider based on biographical data representingattributes about a provider. Receiving capacity information is describedin further detail with respect to the displays of FIGS. 2A and 2B, andalso with respect to FIG. 6 below.

Continuing to operation 424, the promotional system 100 may includemeans, such as the deal structure module 110, processor 402, salesmanagement module 120, input/output module 408, memory 404 and/or thelike, for identifying a promotion structure from a plurality ofpromotion structures, wherein the promotion structure is identifiedbased on the capacity information and the biographical data. Identifyinga promotion structure is described in further detail with respect to thedisplays of FIGS. 2D, 2E, and 2F, and also with respect to FIG. 7 below.

Continuing to operation 426, the promotional system 100 may includemeans, such as the ROI module 112, processor 402, sales managementmodule 120, memory 404 and/or the like, for calculating return oninvestment (ROI) based on at least the promotion structure. CalculatingROI is described in further detail with respect to the displays of FIGS.2G, 2H, 2I, and 2J, and also with respect to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C below.

Continuing to operation 428, the promotional system 100 may includemeans, such as the promotion builder module 114, processor 402, salesmanagement module 120, memory 404 and/or the like, for generatingpromotion terms for the promotion structure. Generating promotion termsis described in further detail with respect to the displays of FIGS. 2K,2L, 2M, and 2N, and also with respect to FIG. 9 below.

Continuing to operation 430, the promotional system 100 may includemeans, such as the auto-approval module 116, processor 402, salesmanagement module 120, memory 404 and/or the like, for determining anauto-approval status on based at least the promotion structure.Determining an auto-approval status is described in further detail withrespect to FIG. 10 below. In some embodiments, data collected in any ofthe operations 422, 424, 426, and/or 428, and/or provided with the useof the displays 2A-2P, may be analyzed by the auto-approval module 116upon receiving such data, and a current auto-approval status based onthe received data may be displayed on any of the displays of FIGS.2A-2P. The auto-approval status may therefore be updated as additionalinformation is received and/or updated.

Continuing to operation 432, the promotional system 100 may includemeans, such as the contract builder module 118, processor 402, salesmanagement module 120, memory 404 and/or the like, for generating apromotion for viewing based on the promotion structure, promotion termsand the auto-approval status. In instances in which the promotionstructure is auto-approved, as described above with respect to operation430, the promotion may be generated and made available for viewingand/or for sale by the promotional system 100.

In some embodiments, contract documents may also be generated. Forexample, document templates may be stored on memory 404, and the termsof the promotion according to the promotion structure may be applied toan appropriate template so as to generate contract documents definingthe arrangement between the provider and the promotion and marketingservice to offer the promotion. In some embodiments, the provider mayelectronically sign the generated contract documents. In instances inwhich the promotion structure is auto-approved, as described above withrespect to operation 430, signing of the contract documents may resultin the promotion being made available for sale.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process that may be performed by thepromotional system 100 according to an example embodiment. As shown byoperation 502, the promotional system 100 may include means, such as theprocessor 402, sales management module 120, input/output module 408,memory 404 and/or the like, for accessing, remotely from a provider, aprovider facing interface, the provider facing interface populated withone or more promotion parameters and one or more provider details. Theexample displays of FIGS. 2A-2P may therefore be prefilled with any ofthe information. This information, in some embodiments, may be providedby a provider in a previous interaction with the provider facinginterface. Any proposed promotion parameters, redemption parameters, orany other pertinent information provider may therefore by saved tomemory 404, and retrieved subsequently by a sales resource accessing theprovider facing interface.

In some embodiments, the promotion parameters may comprise a pluralityof options to be offered as part of the promotion, each option having arespective quantity and value. As shown by operation 504, thepromotional system 100 may include means, such as the processor 402,sales management module 120, input/output module 408, memory 404 and/orthe like, for altering at least one of a promotion parameter of aproposed promotion or one or more details for a provider. As such, withuse of any of the display of FIGS. 2A-2P, for example, a sales resourcemay provide or otherwise alter promotion parameters associated with aproposed promotion.

As shown by operation in 506, the promotional system 100 may includemeans, such as the processor 402, return on investment module 112,and/or the like, for calculating updated ROI information based on thealtered promotion parameters. In this regard, any ROI informationdescribed herein and/or displayed on the displays of FIGS. 2G and 2H,for example, or described with respect to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and/or 8C may beupdated based on the altered promotion parameters. In some embodiments,ROI information may be a summary of ROI based on at least two proposedpromotions.

As shown by operation in 508, the promotional system 100 may includemeans, such as the processor 402, sales management module 120,input/output module 408 and/or the like, for causing the updated returnon investment information to be provided to the selected provider viathe provider facing interface.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of example operations for calculating thecapacity of a proposed promotion. In embodiments, the system 100receives 600 data describing a proposed promotion for a number ofinstruments to be offered to consumers by a provider. In someembodiments, a promotion instrument indicates a service to be providedby the provider to the consumer at a discount when the instrument isredeemed. In embodiments, a particular proposed promotion is defined interms of a promotion structure that includes the service to be offered,the number of instruments to be offered, the full value of the service,the discount price being offered, and the time period during which thepromotion will be offered (time of promotion availability, hereinafter).In some embodiments, the proposed promotion may be the identifiedpromotion structure of operation 424.

In embodiments, the system 100 receives 602 provider biographical datasuch as from provider database 104, provider module 106, and/orinput/output module 408, for example. In some embodiments, the interfaceis a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a client device such assales resource device 130 and/or provider device 132. The GUI design mayinclude a variety of data input widgets that receive user selectionssuch as, for example, drop down menus and/or selection boxes displayingmultiple choices. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the interfacedesign is a form that provides a layout of data input fields. In someembodiments, the biographical data may coincide with the provider infoof the display of FIG. 2O, and/or provided by provider module 106.

In embodiments, at least a portion of the provider biographical databeing collected is related to attributes of the particular service beingoffered in the promotion. For example, a day spa may propose a promotionfor a discounted full body massage, which is one type of serviceprovided by the spa. In embodiments, the interface is designed toinclude questions for the provider that refer to general attributes ofthe business as well as to attributes specifically related to theservice planned to be offered in the promotion. Example questionsdisplayed in the day spa input interface include how many hours per weekis the provider open for business, how many employees are available toperform the service per day, how many employees are required to performthe service, and what is the average time spent in providing theservice.

In embodiments, the system 100 uses the provider biographical data tocalculate 604 the total number of units of service that the providerpotentially can have available to offer within a pre-determined periodof time, such as with capacity module 108, for example. This total iscalculated by determining, based on a time cost, the potential maximumnumber of units of service that the provider can provide during theperiod of time and subtracting the actual number of units of servicethat the provider typically provides during that period. Referring tothe day spa example, if the spa potentially can provide 100 full bodymassages per week and actually provides 50 massages per week, the spacould potentially offer a maximum of 50 instruments for massages perweek of the time of promotion availability.

In embodiments, the system 100 calculates 606 a total of units ofservice that the provider potentially will have available to offerthrough discount instruments during the time of promotion availability,such as with capacity module 108, for example. Since the business willbe offering discount instruments that consumers will redeem during thepromotion availability, the actual number of units of service theprovider will be providing as a result of the promotion offering will beaffected by the rate of instrument redemptions during that time. Thus,in embodiments, the system 100 calculates the predicted total of unitsof service that the provider potentially will have available based inpart on a model of consumer demand for the instruments being offered inthe potential promotion.

In embodiments, a model of consumer demand for a proposed promotion isbased on historical data representing consumer demand for instrumentsthat were offered during the promotion availability time of similarpromotions that now have expired. In various embodiments, the systemreceives the historical data representing consumer demand forinstruments as one or more redemption curves, such as provided byconsumer database 102, for example.

In embodiments, the system 100 determines whether there are anyoutstanding instruments currently being offered by the provider for theparticular service to be offered in the proposed promotion. Outstandinginstruments may affect the predicted total of units of service that theprovider potentially will have available to offer, since the redemptionof an instrument may indicate a service that the provider actually willbe providing. If the system 100 determines that there are outstandinginstruments 135 currently being offered by the provider, the system 100calculates 608 a total of those outstanding instruments.

In embodiments, the system 100 calculates 610 a maximum number ofinstruments 145 to be offered in the potential promotion (the promotioncapacity hereinafter) by subtracting the total of outstandinginstruments from the predicted total of available services. Turning tothe example, if it is predicted that the day spa potentially can offer500 instruments over the time of promotion availability and it isdetermined that there are 50 instruments currently outstanding, thepotential promotion capacity will be set at 450 instruments.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a flowchart is illustrated containing exampleoperations for generating a promotion structure, in accordance withexample embodiments. The operations illustrated in FIG. 7 may, forexample, be performed by the system 100, with the assistance of, and/orunder the control of the promotion structure module 110, for example.

In operation 702, system 100 includes means, such as provider database104, input/output module 408, and/or the like, for receiving anindication of a service offered by a provider.

In operation 704, system 100 includes means, such as promotion structuremodule 110, input/out module 408, and/or the like, for presenting one ormore promotion option structures, wherein each promotion optionstructure includes at least one option and a descriptor associated witheach included option.

In some embodiments, promotion options may be scored and/or ranked bythe promotion and marketing service. In some embodiments, a price bandmay be defined, comprising a range from the single highest price and thesingle lowest price of subject promotions comprising group of top rankedpromotions options, or top percentile. Similarly, a value band maycomprise a range from the single greatest value to the single worstvalue of the subject promotion options, and a discount band may comprisea range from the single largest discount to the single smallest discountof the subject promotion options. As such, in some embodiments,presenting the one or more promotion option structures as described withrespect to operation 704 includes presenting an indication of a priceband, a value band, and a discount band derived from the one or morepromotion options. In at least one such embodiment, the one or morepromotion option structures comprises price bands, value bands, anddiscount bands exceeding predetermined thresholds. In operation 706,system 100 may optionally include means, such as communications module406, input/output module 408, and/or the like, for receiving a requestto edit a descriptor associated with a promotion option structure,presenting a list of available selections for modifying the descriptor,receiving a selection of one of the available selections, and presentingthe one or more promotion option structures again, wherein thedescriptor for which the request was received is replaced with theselected descriptor.

In operation 708, system 100 includes means, such as communicationsmodule 406, input/output module 408, and/or the like, for receiving oneor more selections. In some embodiments, receiving the one or moreselections comprises receiving selection of one or more of the presentedpromotion option structures. In other embodiments, receiving the one ormore selections may comprise receiving information identifying a custompromotion option structure.

Finally, in operation 710, system 100 includes means, such as promotionstructure module 110, or the like, for generating, by a processor, apromotion structure based on the selection. In some embodiments,generating the promotion based on the selection comprises receivingselection of a price, a value, and a margin associated with eachselected promotion option structure, generating a correspondingpromotion structure, the corresponding promotion structure includingfine print associated with each descriptor of the selected promotionoption structure, and storing the generated promotion structure.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are flowcharts illustrating one example forcalculating ROI information such as based on provider revenue, providercost, and provider profit, respectfully. The ROI information indicatesthe potential revenues, cost, and profit to the specific provider basedon a promotion proposal.

FIG. 8A shows a diagram of how provider revenue is calculated. Inoperation 802, the ROI module 112 receives provider criteria selections.These selections may be received from the provider or from a salesresource of the promotion and marketing service who interacts with theprovider. These selections comprise inputs indicative of one or moreattributes of the promotion, an upsell amount, and one or moreindicators of repeat business in response to the promotion. Theattributes may include the average check amount for two individuals, thevoucher price, the average voucher value, the number of customers pervoucher, a unit cap, a provider share, a food cost percentage, a numberof impressions, and demographic information about the customers. Theindicators of repeat business may include return rate percentage andreturn visits per year. Using the received attributes, upsell amount,and indicators of repeat business, the provider's revenue is calculatedbased on revenue from “repeat customer revenue,” “additional spendrevenue,” and “Your Groupon Check” amount calculated based on thereceived criteria (e.g., provider selected criteria).

In operation 804, the ROI module 112, based on one or more of theattributes received in operation 802, a first amount indicative ofrevenue generated from repeat customers based on the promotion (e.g.,based on repeat business from a consumer following redemption of thepromotion). In one embodiment, the repeat customer revenue is calculatedusing the following formula (as previously described):

${{Repeat}\mspace{14mu} {Customer}\mspace{14mu} {Revenue}} = {{Unit}\mspace{14mu} {Cap} \times \frac{Customers}{Groupon} \times {Average}\mspace{14mu} {Check}\mspace{14mu} {for}\mspace{14mu} 2 \times ( {{Return}\mspace{14mu} {Rate}\mspace{14mu} \%} ) \times \frac{{Return}\mspace{14mu} {Visits}}{Year}}$

In operation 806, the ROI module 112 calculates, based on the upsellamount received in operation 802, a second amount indicative of revenuegenerated from promotion upsells. This second amount may compriserevenue generated from upsells attendant to administering the promotion.In one embodiment, this second amount is calculated using the followingformula (as previously described):

Additional Spend Revenue=Unit Cap×Average Upsell

In operation 808, the ROI module 112 calculates, based on the one ormore indicators received in operation 802, a third amount indicative ofrevenue generated from the promotion and marketing service as a resultof the promotion (e.g., payment from the promotion and marketing serviceto the provider). In one embodiment, the provider's check revenue iscalculated using the following formula:

Your Groupon Check=Unit Cap×Merchant Share

In operation 810, the provider's revenue is determined from the first,second, and third amounts.

Subsequently, the ROI module 112 calculates, based on the one or moreattributes of the promotion, a fourth amount indicative of costs fromthe promotion. In this regard, FIG. 8B shows a flow diagram of how thiscost is calculated.

In operation 822, the ROI module 112 receives the provider criteriaselections. The provider's total cost includes the repeat revenue cost,the additional spend cost, and the provider's check cost. The costs maybe calculated by multiplying the corresponding revenue by the receivedfood cost, as described previously. Accordingly, in operation 824, theROI module 112 calculates the repeat revenue cost. In one embodiment,this calculation comprises multiplying the repeat customer revenue bythe Food Cost. In operation 826, the ROI module 112 calculates theadditional spend cost. In one such embodiment, this calculationcomprises multiplying the additional spend revenue by the Food Cost. Inoperation 828, the ROI module 112 calculates the provider's check cost,which in one embodiment comprises multiplying the Your Groupon Checkrevenue by the Average Groupon Value and the Food Cost. Accordingly, inoperation 830, the ROI module 112 determines the provider's total costby adding together the repeat revenue cost, the additional spend cost,and the provider's check cost.

FIG. 8C shows a flow diagram describing an example mechanism by whichprovider profit is calculated. In operation 850, the ROI module 112receives the provider criteria selections. In operation 852, the ROImodule 112 calculates the provider revenue. In one embodiment, theprovider revenue is calculated as shown above in operation 510.Subsequently, in operation 854, the ROI module 112 calculates theprovider cost. In one embodiment, the provider cost is calculated asshown above in operation 830. Finally, in operation 856, the ROI module112 determines the provider profit. In this regard, the provider'sprofit comprises the provider revenue minus the provider cost.

The ROI functionality described with respect to FIGS. 8A-8C may beintegrated into the sales management module so as to provide thefunctionality to sales resources.

Turning now to FIG. 9, example operations for generating fine print fora promotion are illustrated from the perspective of a promotion andmarketing service. The operations illustrated in FIG. 9 may, forexample, be performed by the promotional system 100. In operation 920,the promotional system 100, may include means, such as processor 402and/or the like, for receiving information identifying a location atwhich a customer may redeem a promotion and either a product or aservice associated with the promotion. This information may be receivedfrom a sales representative device 130 or a provider device 132 and viaa network 416, as illustrated in FIG. 3. However, in some embodiments,this information may be received by direct user input using input/outputmodule 408.

In operation 922, the promotional system 100 may include means, such asprocessor 402 and/or the like, for identifying, based on the receivedinformation (e.g. information about the promotion such as the service orgood offered, the location of the provider offering the promotion, thecategory or sub-category of the promotion within a service taxonomy, aprice or the like), relevant fine print clause data structures. Forexample, for a food and drink meal at a five star restaurant location, arelevant fine print clause data structure may include a clause regardingsuitable attire, which may not be relevant for a promotion regarding abaseball game. Similarly, a fine print clause data structure may berelevant for a promotion for skydiving, while not relevant for apromotion for a discount on ice cream. In other examples, a promotionrelated to a nightclub may have an age restriction, where a travelpromotion may include blackout dates.

In one embodiment, at least one fine print clause data structureincludes configurable text, such as by referencing a configurable textdata structure. In another embodiment, each identified fine print clausedata structure includes fields indicating default instructions regardingwhether an associated fine print clause is required for the promotion,selected for inclusion in the promotion, or should be shown to a userfor selection. In yet another embodiment, each fine print clause datastructure includes a rating indicating an impact upon promotionperformance. In this regard, the rating may be calculated based onhistorical performance of previously offered promotions.

In operation 924, the promotional system 100 includes means, such as theprocessor 402, input/output module 408, communications module 406,and/or the like, for transmitting information including the relevantfine print clause data structures identified in operation 922.Accordingly, in embodiments in which presentation information isretrieved, the information transmitted may include the presentationinformation. Although in many embodiments information is transmitted tothe device from which information is received, return transmission isnot a necessity, and the identified relevant fine print clause datastructures may be transmitted to another device (e.g., if theinformation is received from a provider, the fine print clauseinformation may be transmitted to a sales resource device 130).

In operation 926, the promotional system 100 includes means, such as theprocessor 402, input/output module 408, communications module 406,and/or the like, for receiving a configured fine print data structurefor the promotion based on the transmitted relevant fine print clausedata structures.

In operation 928, the promotional system 100 may include means, such asprocessor 402 and/or the like, for generating a promotion including afine print string based on the configured fine print data structure. Inthis regard, creating the fine print string includes generating a stringincluding the language from each of the selected fine print clauses andany redemption information contained in the configured fine print datastructure. In one embodiment, each fine print clause includes a mappingto a string in each of a variety of languages, so that the generatedpromotion may include fine print in a relevant language (e.g., apromotion redeemable in Spain may thus include Spanish fine print).

The fine print builder functionality described with respect to FIG. 9may be integrated into the sales management module so as to provide thefunctionality to sales resources. In some examples, the fine printbuilder functionality described with respect to FIG. 9 may beincorporated in the fine print interface described with respect to FIG.2K.

Turning now to FIG. 10, a flowchart is illustrated containing exampleoperations for automatic approval of promotion structures, in accordancewith some example embodiments. The operations illustrated in FIG. 10may, for example, be performed by the promotional system 100.

In operation 1000, promotional system 100 may include means, such asprocessor 402 and/or the like, for identifying a promotion structure forapproval, the promotion structure defining a promotion to be displayedvia a promotion and marketing service. In some example embodiments,identifying a promotion structure for approval includes receivingselection of one or more options and descriptor associated respectivelywith the one or more options, receiving selection of a price, a value,and a margin for each of the one or more options, and generating apromotion structure including fine print associated with descriptors ofthe one or more selected options.

In operation 1002, promotional system 100 includes means, such asprocessor 402 or the like, for determining whether the promotionstructure satisfies automatic approval requirements, the automaticapproval requirements including one or more parameters relating to thepromotion structure. This may include determining whether a priceassociated with the promotion structure falls outside of a price bandassociated with the promotion structure. Additionally or alternatively,this determination may include determining whether a value associatedwith the promotion structure falls outside of a value band associatedwith the promotion structure. Additionally or alternatively, thisdetermination may include determining whether a margin associated withthe promotion structure falls below a necessary margin. Additionally oralternatively, this determination may include determining whether fineprint associated with the promotion structure comprises restrictive fineprint. Additionally or alternatively, this determination may includedetermining whether an expiration date associated with the promotionstructure falls outside of an expiration band associated with thepromotion structure, or indicates a promotional term shorter than aminimum required duration. Additionally or alternatively, thisdetermination may include determining whether a sales lead evaluationindicates approval of the promotion structure.

In operation 1004, promotional system 100 includes means, such asinput/output module 408, communications module 406, and/or the like,for, in an instance in which the promotion structure satisfies theautomatic approval requirements, automatically approving the promotionstructure for display via the promotion and marketing service. However,in operation 1006, promotional system 100 includes means, such asinput/output module 408, communications module 406, and/or the like, forin an instance in which the promotion structure does not satisfy theautomatic approval requirements, indicating that the promotion structurecannot be automatically approved. In this regard, the auto-approvalstatus may be considered to be not approved or unapproved. Anauto-approval status of unapproved may not necessarily mean the proposalwill not be approved. Rather, an auto-approval status of unapproved ornot approved may mean that the proposal may need to be reviewed by asales resource or the promotion and marketing service before thepromotion is generated and offered.

The automatic approval functionality of FIG. 10 may be integrated intothe sales management module 120. Accordingly, the sales managementmodule 120 may improve the process by which new promotions arenegotiated with providers, increase the likelihood of presentingproviders with strong options, improve the user experience of both salesresources and providers, and reduce reliance on managers for approval.

Furthermore, as described above, providing sales resources with aconsolidated system for managing sales proposals may increase efficiencyof the sales resources. Sales resources may use the promotion system 100to access ROI information, demand information, and capacity informationto have more effective conversations and follow-up meetings withproviders by avoiding down time lost to accessing different systems andmodules. In some instances, a proposal may be automatically approved,such that the sales resource does not need to review the proposal priorto generation of the promotion.

As such, the method, apparatus and computer program product providenumerous technical advantages including the conservation of processingresources and the associated power consumption otherwise expendedaccessing various applications to access proposed promotions andmonitoring changes that a provider may make to a proposal. According toexample embodiments, providers and sales resources may access a singleprovider facing interface to collaborate on a proposed promotion, whilethe opportunity for auto-approval of the proposal is maintained, therebyfacilitating generation of promotions in an expeditious and efficientmanner.

As described above and as will be appreciated based on this disclosure,embodiments of the present invention may be configured as methods,mobile devices, backend network devices, and the like. Accordingly,embodiments may comprise various means including entirely of hardware orany combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, embodiments maytake the form of a computer program product on at least onenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readableprogram instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storagemedium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilizedincluding non-transitory hard disks, CD-ROMs, flash memory, opticalstorage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described above withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,apparatuses, systems and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the circuit diagrams and processflowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the circuit diagrams andprocess flowcharts, respectively, can be implemented by various meansincluding computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, suchas processor 402, modules 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, and/or 120to produce a machine, such that the computer program product includesthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory 404) that can direct acomputer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function ina particular manner, such that the instructions stored in thecomputer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufactureincluding computer-readable instructions for implementing the functiondiscussed herein. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions discussed herein.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the circuit diagrams and processflowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the circuit diagrams andprocess flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedcomputer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, orcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseembodiments of the invention pertain having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the inventionare not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and thatmodifications and other embodiments are intended to be included withinthe scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employedherein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation.

1-54. (canceled)
 55. A computer-implemented method for, in response to amodification of a proposal by a provider via a user interface, providingautomated approval and generation of promotions to be made available toconsumers for purchase, the computer-implemented method comprising:causing rendering of a user interface component on a provider device forfacilitating entry of a proposed promotion comprising at least oneservice offered by the provider, and a time needed by the provider tofulfill each service; receiving, from the provider device over anetwork, an indication of the at least one service offered by theprovider, and the respective times needed by the provider to fulfilleach service; calculating capacity information for the provider, whereinthe capacity information represents a total units of the at least oneservice that a provider is able to provide during a time period, and thecapacity information is calculated by a capacity module by dividing anestimated availability by the time needed by the provider to fulfillpromotions; determining a number of units per month of promotions to bemade available, wherein the units per month are determined such that thecapacity information indicates the provider is able to fulfill the unitsper month of promotions; causing rendering of at least an additionaluser interface component for facilitating the adjustment of at least oneof the units per month; responsive to the adjustment of the units permonth, determining the proposed promotion satisfies automatic approvalrequirements by determining that the capacity information indicates theprovider is able to fulfill the adjusted units per month of promotionsand thereby determining an automatic approval status as approved; andgenerating the proposed promotion such that the units per month of thepromotion are made available for purchase by consumers.
 56. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 55, further comprising: calculatinga first total units of service available to offer from the providerduring a particular time period; calculating a second total units ofservice potentially available from the provider for an availability timeperiod of the promotion; calculating a third total units of servicecurrently being offered by the provider; and calculating the capacityinformation for the promotion by subtracting the third total units ofservices from the second total units of service.
 57. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 55, further comprising: responsiveto the adjustment of the units per month, and the determination that theproposed promotion satisfies automatic approval requirements, causing areal-time or near real-time indication to be provided via the userinterface of the automatic approval status.
 58. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 55, further comprising: receiving an indication of asubsequent adjustment of the units per month via the additional userinterface component, such that the automatic approval requirements areno longer satisfied; and in response to determining the automaticapproval requirements are no longer satisfied, causing a visualindication thereof to be provided via the user interface.
 59. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 55, wherein calculating thecapacity information comprises accessing other capacity information foranother provider based on biographical data representing attributesrelating to the provider and the another provider.
 60. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 55, wherein the number of units permonth of promotions to be made available are initially proposed by theprovider, and verified by the computer-implemented method.
 61. Anapparatus for, in response to a modification of a proposal by a providervia a user interface, providing automated approval and generation ofpromotions to be made available to consumers for purchase, the apparatuscomprising at least one processor and at least one memory includingcomputer program code, the at least one memory and the computer programcode configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to at least:cause rendering of a user interface component on a provider device forfacilitating entry of a proposed promotion comprising at least oneservice offered by the provider, and a time needed by the provider tofulfill each service; receive, from the provider device over a network,an indication of the at least one service offered by the provider, andthe respective times needed by the provider to fulfill each service;calculate capacity information for the provider, wherein the capacityinformation represents a total units of the at least one service that aprovider is able to provide during a time period, and the capacityinformation is calculated by a capacity module by dividing an estimatedavailability by the time needed by the provider to fulfill promotions;determine a number of units per month of promotions to be madeavailable, wherein the units per month are determined such that thecapacity information indicates the provider is able to fulfill the unitsper month of promotions; cause rendering of at least an additional userinterface component for facilitating the adjustment of at least one ofthe units per month; responsive to the adjustment of the units permonth, determine the proposed promotion satisfies automatic approvalrequirements by determining that the capacity information indicates theprovider is able to fulfill the adjusted units per month of promotionsand thereby determining an automatic approval status as approved; andgenerate the proposed promotion such that the units per month of thepromotion are made available for purchase by consumers.
 62. Theapparatus of claim 61, wherein the at least one memory and the computerprogram code are further configured to cause the apparatus to at least:calculate a first total units of service available to offer from theprovider during a particular time period; calculate a second total unitsof service potentially available from the provider for an availabilitytime period of the promotion; calculate a third total units of servicecurrently being offered by the provider; and calculate the capacityinformation for the promotion by subtracting the third total units ofservices from the second total units of service.
 63. The apparatus ofclaim 61, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program codeare further configured to cause the apparatus to at least: responsive tothe adjustment of the units per month, and the determination that theproposed promotion satisfies automatic approval requirements, cause areal-time or near real-time indication to be provided via the userinterface of the automatic approval status.
 64. The apparatus of claim61, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code arefurther configured to cause the apparatus to at least: receive anindication of a subsequent adjustment of the units per month via theadditional user interface component, such that the automatic approvalrequirements are no longer satisfied; and in response to determining theautomatic approval requirements are no longer satisfied, cause a visualindication thereof to be provided via the user interface.
 65. Theapparatus of claim 61, wherein calculating the capacity informationcomprises accessing other capacity information for another providerbased on biographical data representing attributes relating to theprovider and the another provider.
 66. The apparatus of claim 61,wherein the number of units per month of promotions to be made availableare initially proposed by the provider, and verified by the apparatus.67. A computer program product for, in response to a modification of aproposal by a provider via a user interface, providing automatedapproval and generation of promotions to be made available to consumersfor purchase, the computer program product comprising at least onenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium havingcomputer-executable program code instructions stored therein, thecomputer-executable program code instructions comprising program codeinstructions to: cause rendering of a user interface component on aprovider device for facilitating entry of a proposed promotioncomprising at least one service offered by the provider, and a timeneeded by the provider to fulfill each service; receive, from theprovider device over a network, an indication of the at least oneservice offered by the provider, and the respective times needed by theprovider to fulfill each service; calculate capacity information for theprovider, wherein the capacity information represents a total units ofthe at least one service that a provider is able to provide during atime period, and the capacity information is calculated by a capacitymodule by dividing an estimated availability by the time needed by theprovider to fulfill promotions; determine a number of units per month ofpromotions to be made available, wherein the units per month aredetermined such that the capacity information indicates the provider isable to fulfill the units per month of promotions; cause rendering of atleast an additional user interface component for facilitating theadjustment of at least one of the units per month; responsive to theadjustment of the units per month, determine the proposed promotionsatisfies automatic approval requirements by determining that thecapacity information indicates the provider is able to fulfill theadjusted units per month of promotions and thereby determining anautomatic approval status as approved; and generate the proposedpromotion such that the units per month of the promotion are madeavailable for purchase by consumers.
 68. The computer program product ofclaim 67, wherein the computer-executable program code instructionsfurther comprise program code instructions to: calculate a first totalunits of service available to offer from the provider during aparticular time period; calculate a second total units of servicepotentially available from the provider for an availability time periodof the promotion; calculate a third total units of service currentlybeing offered by the provider; and calculate the capacity informationfor the promotion by subtracting the third total units of services fromthe second total units of service.
 69. The computer program product ofclaim 67, wherein the computer-executable program code instructionsfurther comprise program code instructions to: responsive to theadjustment of the units per month, and the determination that theproposed promotion satisfies automatic approval requirements, cause areal-time or near real-time indication to be provided via the userinterface of the automatic approval status.
 70. The computer programproduct of claim 67, wherein the computer-executable program codeinstructions further comprise program code instructions to: receive anindication of a subsequent adjustment of the units per month via theadditional user interface component, such that the automatic approvalrequirements are no longer satisfied; and in response to determining theautomatic approval requirements are no longer satisfied, cause a visualindication thereof to be provided via the user interface.
 71. Thecomputer program product of claim 67, wherein calculating the capacityinformation comprises accessing other capacity information for anotherprovider based on biographical data representing attributes relating tothe provider and the another provider.
 72. The computer program productof claim 67, wherein the number of units per month of promotions to bemade available are initially proposed by the provider, and verified bythe computer program product.